Living the London Life

Another week, another gloriously sunny Monday! I had a productive week last week in spite of some communication issues and the grisly grey weather threatening my otherwise sunny demeanour. Here’s a brief snapshot of what’s been going on in my world: I’ve been listening to: Disco Forever. One listen and I know you’ll understand why. I’m recovering from: Two hours of torture exercise back-to-back at Another Space. An ‘urban triathlon’, if you will. Twenty-four hours later, my post-exercise high has worn off and am now…

Today I stumbled across this article which, for obvious reasons, has added an additional layer of depression to my day-before-pay-day vibes. So whilst it doesn’t look like I’ll be moving to Chelsea solo anytime soon, I can at least continue to admire it and its neighbours in all their uniformed, pristine and floral glory. Gatsby’s green light, etc. etc. Brunch: Rail House Cafe.

I’ve often remarked that one of the biggest and best parts of London life is taking the opportunity to leave it – and I mean this in the best possible way. For some Australians, they’ll even cite this as their core motivation for moving over here; proximity to ‘the continent’ etc. etc. Personally, I’m in love with this city more than anywhere else but at the same time, I find London life to be a tad claustrophobic at times. After a while, a girl begins…

Sorry guys, I’ve been a bit quiet lately. Seems I’ve been simultaneously lacking in inspiration, preoccupied and melting a bit in the London heat. That said, exciting things have been going on: Royal Ascot, Ed Sheeran & Take That at the O2 (though sadly not at the same time), a seemingly endless supply of Pimm’s and, as this post’s title suggests, Taste of London. I blogged about this delightful foodie event this time last year (where has the time gone!?) and my love for it…

Londoners (those both old and new) have a love/hate relationship with the London Underground. Personally, I’m mildly obsessed. Mostly, it’s the history that I love; how the growth of each colourful line tells a story about London’s past and future. Find yourself in town during a Tube Strike and you’ll realise quickly that it truly is the lifeblood of London. Because of this, there’s understandably a bit of etiquette involved. So if you’re new in town or just stopping by for a visit, there are…

Sunny Sunday evenings in the springtime are positively one of my most favourite things in the world. After a rather drizzly, grey and intense week last week, both literal and metaphoric sunshine are very much welcomed! Few things beat the contagious optimism which fills London on a summery day. What I’m watching: I devoured all seven episodes of Anne with an E this week. I’m such a fan of the original Anne of Green Gables and the new series on Netflix brought me so much…

Today has been a gloriously sunny Sunday in London. Fittingly, drizzly rain has just descended as another weekend draws to a close but at least I got to spend a few blissful hours in Parsons Green enjoying the dose of vitamin D. Summer is on its way! I’ve been back in town for a few weeks now and am slowly adjusting back to London life. As chapter 2 of my adventure continues, one of my resolutions is to reinvigorate MissECalwell and keep in touch with…

To me, nothing beats shopping in Melbourne. I’m not sure if it’s purely a taste or specific style thing (once a Melburnian, always a Melburnian…) but I’m yet to find the same fashion induced joy as that from my hometown anywhere else in the world. I’ve often remarked complained about the lack of value for money in London (particularly when it comes to buying shoes), the all too familiar annoyance of spotting at least a handful of people wearing the same Zara top you just…

Spending my days off in one of London’s incredible museums or galleries is absolutely one of my favourite things to do in the whole entire world. Though two years have passed since I moved, I’m more settled and have made some dear friends, I find that my habit (or penchant) for solo dates has stuck with me from my early days in the city. Luckily, London’s plethora of options has me spoiled for choice. I love the progressiveness of the V&A, the awe-inspiring artefacts in the…

Part of what I really loved about being home in Melbourne over the past few weeks was looking at my home city through a different lens. I’ve gotten so used to sharing glimpses of my London life with my family and friends back in Australia that it was a refreshing reversal to instead be sharing snaps of my Melbourne home with those back in the UK. It really made me think more thoughtfully about what I was doing whilst I was home. Now that I’m…

Well, I’m back in London! As glad as I am to be back in my second home, it was really bittersweet leaving Melbourne (specifically, all my friends and family) behind. I had the absolute best time – turns out unemployment does suit me after all. I spent the weeks catching up with friends and family, shopping up a storm, seeing Melbourne through the eyes of a tourist and enjoying the remnant sunshine as summer drew to a belated close. But one thing I know for…

Well folks, I’m back in Melbourne. What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been! Hence the radio silence. At this stage, as I mentioned in my previous post, if all goes to plan I’m home temporarily for a few weeks of sunshine, family and relaxation. Tough life, I know. Being away from home for an extended period of time obviously gives you a bit of perspective. After almost a year and a half of being away, I’ve really found it surprising how weirdly familiar…

Since I’ve moved to London, it feels like the passing of time just continues to get quicker and quicker. Maybe it’s an age thing or maybe it’s a London thing. Maybe it’s because in media, we’re constantly thinking at least six months in advance therefore often forget to be conscious of the present. Or maybe it’s induced by nostalgic milestones like my impending 10 year high school reunion. Whatever the cause, I’m so utterly shocked that it’s February 2017 already. In just a few short…